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Our Governance

St Patrick’s College Wellington’s day to day operations are overseen by two governing pillars, the Board of Proprietors and the College Board of Trustees, each holds a significant role in ensuring the success of the College and its students.

Board of Proprietors

The Board of Proprietors is appointed by the Provincial of the Society of Mary to administer the College on their behalf and are the legal owners of the College.

The Board is responsible for ensuring the Special Character of the College is maintained and that property and maintenance needs are addressed.

The members of the Board are:

  • Mr Shane Dinnan (Chair)
  • Mr David Gates
  • Mr David Ireland
  • Mrs Grāinne Moss
  • Ms Vanessa Otang

Next Meeting date:  Thursday 19 November 2026

 2024 Special Character Review

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees plays an important role in supporting St Patrick’s College to deliver an outstanding, values-based Marist education, now and into the future. Working closely with the Rector and school leadership, the Board provides governance oversight and helps set the College's strategic direction.

The Board includes parent representatives elected every three years by parents and caregivers, alongside Board of Proprietors members, the Rector, and staff and student representatives. From time to time, the Board may also co-opt members to ensure a broad mix of skills, experience and perspectives.

The Board’s responsibilities include overseeing the College's management, supporting student achievement and wellbeing, setting strategic direction, reviewing policies, and ensuring legal and financial stewardship.

Board Members

Mike Savali has been the Rector of St Patrick’s College, Wellington, since 2020 and is the College’s first Pasifika Rector. An Old Boy of the College and of Samoan heritage, he leads with a faith-based, culturally responsive approach grounded in Catholic values, service, and high expectations. Mike is committed to improving achievement and wellbeing for all students, particularly Māori and Pasifika learners. His vision is for St Patrick’s College to be a relational practice school where culturally sustaining practices are embedded across all aspects of school life, guided by the College’s mission to Serve God and Serve the Community.

Andrew Nicholls has more than 20 years’ experience across banking and public sector leadership, specialising in funding, policy and community investment to improve outcomes for whānau and communities. An Old Boy of St Patrick’s College (1992–1996), he has served on the Board since May 2024 and has been Presiding Member since February 2025. His governance approach is grounded in service, equity and community.

Tupu Fidow is an experienced programme and governance lead who brings clarity, courage, and cultural intelligence to complex spaces, both across private and public sectors organisations. With his previous experience in roles such as Chair/Presiding Member, Deputy, and as a Proprietor Representative, he brings a strong governance and operations lens to the work of the Board.

Gráinne Moss brings extensive senior leadership and governance experience across the public and private sectors, with strengths in risk, system stewardship and long-term organisational performance. She also serves on the Board of Proprietors, supporting alignment with the College’s special character. With strong family ties to the College, Gráinne is deeply committed to forming young men grounded in faith, service and leadership.

Vanessa Otang brings nearly 20 years’ experience in investment advisory, specialising in portfolio strategy, risk oversight and long-term sustainability. A St Mary’s College alumna, she has served on the Board of Trustees since November 2024 and has been involved in the delivery of the school’s refurbishment programme. She is passionate about lifting Māori and Pasifika achievement and ensuring high expectations for every student.

Profile to follow.

Michelle Quirke brings extensive experience in strategic communications, public affairs, media relations and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on building trust and connection across communities. From a family of St Patrick’s and St Mary’s College alumni, Michelle joined the Board of Trustees in October 2025 is committed to strengthening engagement with whānau and supporting student achievement and wellbeing.

Rachel Scott has served on the Board of Trustees since January 2025. She brings over 30 years’ experience in governance, risk, audit and finance and is currently Director of Governance, Risk and Assurance at Victoria University of Wellington. Rachel is committed to supporting student achievement and wellbeing in alignment with the College’s values and special character.

Natasha Tupou Matahiva Talia’uli is proud of her Tongan and Samoan heritage, with faith, family, and service central to her life. Her family has a long connection to St Patrick’s College, through her brothers and her son. She supports the College through the Pasifika Parents Association and events such as the Tu Tangata Festival. Natasha has extensive experience working with children, young people and families, and has previously served on a Board of Trustees. She is passionate about student wellbeing, safe and inclusive learning environments, and supporting opportunities for students to thrive.

Anna Tunnicliffe is a senior People and Capability leader with extensive experience in organisational development, change management, and workforce planning. She has a strong background in governance, risk, and compliance. Having grown up in Wellington, and with a son currently in Year 9 at the school, Anna is deeply invested in the local community and committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and thriving college environment.

Rowan Pearson has been Head of Department Social Sciences at St Patrick’s College since 2022 and teaches History, Classics and Social Studies. She previously taught at the College before spending 14 years in London, including seven years as Head of Classics. Rowan has played a key role in implementing the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories curriculum and is also Teacher in Charge of Hockey.

Profile to follow.